The Secretary General is the legally authorized representative of the Organization and Chief Executive of the Secretariat. In this capacity, he administers the affairs of the Organization in accordance with the directions of the Board of Governors.

The Conference appoints the Secretary General for a period of three years, which may be renewed once for the same period. This appointment takes place upon nomination by Member Countries.

The Secretary General is assisted in the discharge of his duties by a team of officers and staff including two Directors responsible for the Research Division and Support Services Division, seven Heads of Department, the General Legal Counsel, Head of the Office of the Secretary General and the Internal Auditor who independently ascertains whether the ongoing processes for controlling financial and administrative operations at the Secretariat are adequately designed and functioning in an effective manner.